Young Estonian driver Stefan Arand, after titles in UIM WC GT15 and GT30, has now the WC title in Formula 4. He collected many points in Brindisi and managed his position as a master. The Finnish drivers have been very successful in F4, but the main contender Tino Lehto was on shore this time, with an injured hand. Roope Virtanen did what he could for the Finnish colors and took the silver.
The competitions in Smedjebacken were for the second year the final race for the F4 WC, with a well-functioning organization under Pelle Larsson's experienced management. This year's track was a little different and perhaps better designed for F4.
For the first race, Virtanen managed to grab pole position. When it was time to start, he missed something and didn't get off properly. Arand took advantage of the opportunity from his second position, taking the lead in the race, which he then controlled well even if Virtanen tried his best.
For Sunday's final WC race, Sweden’s William Sjöström surprised by being the fastest in Q2, after modifying his the hull. When it was time for Q3, however, Norwegian Andre Solvang took pole position. Arand, on the other hand, was in the middle of the field. Solvang made a good start and gained a good lead early in the race. Behind him, home driver Mathilda Wiberg also made a great start and came out of the first turn in second place. Virtanen chased behind, but never managed to come close to passing. Arand, for his part, did a real safe race, avoiding all dangers and competitors. He would just drive sensibly and get to the finish line, and the WC title would be his. He did cross the finish line and thereby secured a new WC title, ahead of Virtanen and Wiberg.
Text:Per Benson
Pictures: Peter Pickla
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